Academic Navigator - EnCompass: Resources for Learning
SUMMARY:
The Academic Navigator works with youth to support social-emotional learning, academic success, and engagement with school, family, and community. The person in this role will facilitate communication between school-based staff, caseworkers, and caregivers through a cross-systems collaborative approach. Working with youth who are in foster care, transitioning from residential placement, or switching school settings, the Academic Navigator must have familiarity with these systems to help youth and caregivers navigate the adjustments.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Meet with family, caregiver, or caseworker and referred youth within one week of referral; maintain consistent contact with stakeholders thereafter
- Identify and assess the learning needs and academic performance of youth, as well as the social and environmental factors that affect learning
- Accommodate youth who receive supportive services through 504 plans and/or IEPs.
- Develop an academic support plan for youth unable or unwilling to attend a traditional school setting
- Use qualitative and quantitative data and observations to set and discuss individualized goals; develop action plans to support improved social-emotional and academic outcomes
- Provide in-person one-on-one and small-group academic support to students participating in remote learning
- Ensure that students are actively engaged in their virtual classes, asynchronous assignments, and enrichment opportunities
- Collaborate with school-based staff to understand students’ needs, monitor student progress, and foster effective communication between school and home
- Provide collaborative consultation to caseworkers, school personnel, caregivers, and others to enhance opportunities to learn for participating youth
- Attend school meetings and provide feedback to school administrators, school-based teams, and/or caseworkers
- Maintain appropriate attendance, behavioral, and academic records, monitor student progress
- Participate in and contribute to regularly scheduled meetings – present data and observations of youth progress and performance
- During school breaks or after school hours, partner with the program team to promote pro-social activities, skill building and other opportunities to engage the youth
- Develop and maintain cross-systems collaborations
- Participate in professional development opportunities offered within the organization or through community partners, as deemed appropriate by program or organization leadership
- Perform other duties assigned by the employee’s supervisor
Requirements
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Unyielding commitment to students, families, and the EnCompass mission
- Excellent judgment and student-centered mindset
- Effective communication skills, particularly as they relate to the development of trusting relationships with students and families
- Ability to collaborate with others from diverse backgrounds
- Collaborative approach to service delivery and conflict resolution
- High standards of professionalism in all aspects of performance
- Flexibility and creativity in developing and delivering services and programs
- Familiarity with current research in social-emotional learning, developmental relationships, and educational practices
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Smartboard technology
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum – Bachelor’s in education or related field; 2 years of experience in education or human services
- Preferred – 3-5 years of experience working with youth in an urban environment
- Preferred – Valid NYS driver’s license